It is the day after our federal election and the church is celebrating Christ the King Sunday. As Australia anticipates what new leadership will bring to the country, we reflect on the kind of kingship that Christ offers. Christ the King invites us into a new era of hope with vision for a better future, but the changes begin with our response to Christ.
Sermon Sunday November 25th, 2007Â (pdf)
St. David’s Uniting Church, Oakleigh
Rev. Arnie Wierenga
The November edition of the Children’s Ministry newsletter is now available from the Synod website. It includes ideas for Advent and Christmas, stories about what is happeing around the place in Children’s ministry, and events that are coming up.
The newsletter is available as a pdf download (2.26MB) here.
Following on from a successful first year, the churches of Oakleigh are proud to present the 2007 Carols in the Park on December 7th.
Last year a crowd of around 2000 enjoyed a community Christmas celebration that included cultural items, a choir, and items from the local schools.
In response to last year’s event, local councillor, Denise McGill wrote:
The combination of energetic enthusiasm by all the churches, a fine display from local schools, a beautiful evening and many young families attending was a sight to behold. … this can only be an indicator of the appreciation and need in our community for such an event.
We invite you to mark this special evening in your diary.
The reading this week from Isaiah has God promising a new heaven and a new earth to those who have just returned from exile. While the promise may have brought joy and hope, our world has not yet fulfilled such a grand vision. We explore the nature of God’s promises and what it means to be weeks away from marking the birth of Christ.
Sermon 18th November, 2007Â (pdf)
St. David’s Oakleigh
Rev. Arnie Wierenga
Since the Wisdom’s Feast of art and celebration mid year, the arts have been thriving with activity and creativity amongst the Uniting Church.
For the latest on what has been happening and what is planned, check out the latest edition of Artfull Faith.
There are many cases where the persistence of the powerless have dramatically altered unjust power systems. The gospel story of the persistent woman calls us to lobby with a heart for God’s justice.
Sermon 21st October, 2007Â (pdf)
St. David’s Uniting Church, Oakleigh
Rev. Arnie Wierenga
The Uniting Church in Australia has condemned the Commonwealth’s legislative response to child sex abuse in Northern Territory Aboriginal communities.
The church is calling for the Northern Territory Response Act, passed by the Federal Parliament in August, to be repealed.
The final Bethel Pastoral Centre workshop for this year will be held on Thursday October 25th in Balwyn North.
This half day workshop will be led by Dr Rachel McKenzie, Clinical Psychologist from the Victorian Institute of Forensic Mental Health. For more details and how to book, visit the Bethel website.
The Bethel Pastoral Centre is a Uniting Church initiative ‘Towards preventing & healing abuse of power within the church’. Bethel Pastoral Centre seeks to be a place where people can rediscover grace, becoming aware of God’s presence in their lives at times of alienation, and be assured of God’s faithfulness and dependability, no matter their state.
The latest update of our parish newsletter is now available, featuring regular news of group life, events, children’s ministry, message from the manse and more.
Balkara Parish News, October 2007Â (pdf 221kB)
Sermon 14th October, 2007
Rev. Arnie Wierenga
St. David’s UCA, Oakleigh, VIC